Cleveland Plain Dealer is Having a Contest to Crown Ohio’s Top Tourist Attraction — Let’s Make it Put-in-Bay

Cleveland Plain Dealer is Having a Contest to Crown Ohio’s Top Tourist Attraction — Let’s Make it Put-in-Bay

Who doesn’t love a good contest? Starting today, the Cleveland Plain Dealer will begin taking votes to appoint the top tourist attraction in the state of Ohio (cast your vote here). Surely we having nothing against the likes of Cedar Point or Hocking Hills, they’re both fantastic attractions in their own right. But, and of course we’re a little biased, Put-in-Bay and the surrounding Lake Erie Islands are clearly destined for the number one spot. So just to refresh our memories and get psyched for this poll, let’s talk a little bit about our favorite Lake Erie spot.

Reason #1: It’s an island in Ohio — Sounds pretty simple right? Everyone likes an island. In fact, people venture thousands of miles to set foot on islands. The Maldives, Virgin Islands, Bahamas, Philippines. Surrounded by water and secluded from the mainland, there’s just something about an island. Now are we saying that Put-in-Bay is just as cool as that list of tropical paradises? Well yes, we kind of are.

Reason #2: It’s historic — Without Put-in-Bay the U.S. Navy would’ve lost the Battle of Lake Erie and in all likelihood, control of the Great Lakes. Lucky for us the wind-aided fleet with Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry at the helm swiftly seized control of the battle and turned the tides on the Royal Navy. Now we can enjoy a smooth elevator ride to the open-air observation platform 300 feet plus over Lake Erie on Perry’s Monument, look out over the once ship-laden battlefield and pay tribute to those brave souls. Pretty cool.

Reason #3: It’s beautiful — It could be kayaking next to the limestone cliffs of South Bass Island State Park, fishing at Scheef Island State Park or just taking in a South Bass sunset at your favorite hidden spot. From the moment you hop on the Miller Ferry to the last minute before leaving for home, nature is always on full display at Put-in-Bay.

Reason #4: It’s a celebration — You name it, Put-in-Bay celebrates it. Whether that’s dressing up like a pirate and firing cannons across the harbor during Pyrate Fest or getting thrifty during the Island Wide Garage Sale, there’s no festival stone left unturned. Not sure which events you’ve checked off your list yet? Full details for 2015 can be found here.

Reason #5: It’s tasty — Of course there’s the island staples like lobster bisque at the Boardwalk and perch tacos at the Goat Soup & Whiskey. Then there’s the less publicized but just as savory rueben at Topsy Turvy or the piled-high Piggy Melt at Hooligans. Let’s be honest, food just tastes better on an island, especially this island.

We’ll stop there because this list could go on for hours. Cast your vote once a day for Put-in-Bay and the Lake Erie Islands to help the Cleveland Plain Dealer crown our favorite attraction.